The Wooden Ice Chest

Posted on September 14, 2012 by purplepeninportland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wooden Ice Chest

 

When I brought home
an antique ice chest,
Mom recalled her childhood
days, and the role it played
in everyday life.  In order
to keep perishables cool,
her parents waited for the yell
of, `Iceman, Iceman.’
A chunk of ice was hacked,
and packed inside top
lid of chest.  Fastener
opened middle compartment
for storage food and milk.
Underneath, a flap lifted,
to allow a drip pan to catch
excess water, emptied out
at intervals.  My ice chest
sat in a shop, painted
kelly green.  Hideous.
Restored to original
rich grained wood,
it proved a beautiful
piece, though used
differently now.

 

 

 

Written for Poets United/Think Tank Thursday #114/Timeworn

 

About purplepeninportland

I am a freelance poet, born and bred in Brooklyn, New York. I live with my husband, John, and two charming rescue dogs–Marion Miller and Murphy. We spent eight lovely years in Portland, OR, but are now back in New York. My goal is to create and share poetry with others who write, or simply enjoy reading poetry. I hope to touch a nerve in you, and feel your sparks as well.
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4 Responses to The Wooden Ice Chest

  1. unevenstevencu says:
    September 15, 2012 at 4:54 am

    very nice creating a continuity with your mothers childhood – looks very good restored

    Like

  2. poetrydiary says:
    September 15, 2012 at 9:11 am

    That’s a beautiful functional piece of furniture that I never imagined existing. I wonder if anyone still makes fridges out of wood!?

    Like

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